Americans and the Holocaust Exhibit opens at Pendleton Public Library

Americans and the Holocaust Exhibit opens at Pendleton Public Library

Traveling exhibit appearing at 50 libraries nationwide

Pendleton, Ore. — On Friday, the “Americans and the Holocaust” traveling exhibition opened at the Pendleton Public Library.  Pendleton is one of 50 libraries nationwide – and the only one in Oregon – selected to host the exhibit.

“Americans and the Holocaust” is presented by The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the American Library Association. The exhibit examines the motives, pressures and fears that shaped Americans’ responses to Nazism, war and genocide in Europe during the 1930s and 1940s.

“The Pendleton Public Library is delighted to provide our community with access to this extraordinary exhibit,” Library Assistant Director James Simpson said. “Pendleton is, of course, no stranger to the events of World War II with the Pendleton Field Airbase being located here, once housing the Doolittle Raiders and the Triple Nickels, not to mention the many residents that enlisted from the area. This exhibit was created to help frame two very important questions: ‘What did Americans know about the Holocaust?’ And ‘What more could have been done?’ The exhibit breaks down the first question in 16 different themed panels, looped video content, and four kiosks. The second question is meant to be answered by the viewer after experiencing the ‘Americans and the Holocaust’ exhibit. We hope to see you soon!”

“Americans and the Holocaust” will be on display at the Pendleton Public Library, along with a series of related special events, through July 1.

Special Event Programming includes:

• SPEAKER ANNEKE BLOOMFIELD HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR: Shortly after Anneke’s fifth birthday, the Netherlands was invaded by Nazi Germany. Fearing for the safety of his family, Anneke’s father found families that would take Anneke and her brothers into hiding. Over the course of the war, Anneke was moved three times to different homes. She was just 10 years old when victory was declared in Europe. Hear her story at the library. MAY 31st @ 5:00 PM, INSIDE THE LIBRARY
• WORLD WAR II A LOCAL STORY: Join us in the library art gallery for a walk through of local news coverage of World War 2. East Oregonian newspapers will be on display, featuring major events from the war and the impact felt here in Eastern Oregon. JUNE 7th @ 5:00 PM, INSIDE THE LIBRARY
• SPEAKER CLARICE WILSEY AUTHOR AND DAUGHTER OF WWII US ARMY PHYSICIAN: Clarice speaks on behalf of her late father, Captain David B. Wilsey, M.D. Present at the liberation of Dachau Concentration Camp, Dr. Wilsey was one of 27 physicians who treated 30,000 survivors in a makeshift fi eld hospital. Hear his story at the library. JUNE 21st @ 5:00 PM, INSIDE THE LIBRARY

The exhibition is now open for public viewing now until July 1 during library hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Saturday. For more information, contact the Pendleton Public Library at 541-966-0380.

About “Americans and the Holocaust”:

Based on extensive new research of that period, “Americans and the Holocaust” AMERICANS AND addresses important themes in American history, exploring the many factors — including the Great Depression, isolationism, xenophobia, racism and antisemitism — that influenced decisions made by the U.S. government, the news media, organizations and individuals as they responded to Nazism. This exhibition will challenge the commonly held assumptions that Americans knew little and did nothing about the Nazi persecution and murder of Jews as the Holocaust unfolded.

Drawing on a remarkable collection of primary sources from the 1930s and ’40s, the exhibition focuses on the stories of individuals and groups of Americans who took action in response to Nazism. It will challenge visitors to consider the responsibilities and obstacles faced by individuals — from Franklin Delano Roosevelt to ordinary Americans — who made difficult choices, sought to effect change, and, in a few cases, took significant risks to help victims of Nazism even as rescue never became a government priority.

A full schedule of appearances is available at https://www.ala.org/tools/programming/USHolocaustMuseum/tourschedule .

Americans and the Holocaust was made possible by the generous support of lead sponsor Jeannie & Jonathan Lavine. Additional major funding was provided by the Bildners — Joan & Allen z”l, Elisa Spungen & Rob, Nancy & Jim; and Jane and Daniel Och. The Museum's exhibitions are also supported by the Lester Robbins and Sheila Johnson Robbins Traveling and Special Exhibitions Fund, established in 1990.

About the Pendleton Public Library:

The Pendleton Public Library strives to provide access to free educational programs, literary experiences, and information resources within our facility and beyond. Library hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Saturday. For more information, visit https://pendleton.or.us/library, find Pendleton Public Library on Facebook  or call 541-966-0380.